Effect of membrane cholesterol on dynamical properties of solvent molecules

Abstract

Membrane lipid composition is a critical feature of cell function, where cholesterol is a major lipid sterol component that influences the membranes physical and electrical properties. The effects of cholesterol on transport properties between adjacent to the cells, especially in junctions formed between cells is not completely understood. These junctions where substances transport and signaling is critical may be affected by modifying the cholesterol composition of the membrane in these junctional regions. Here we show how the cholesterol content in a membrane can regulate these phenomena by changing their effect on transport into and through regions between cell membranes in close proximity. Through geometric and electrostatic effects interaction with substrates, the properties of the fluid between membranes are shown to potentially enforce concentration gradients of dissolved compounds that may be biologically significant.